Learn More about your Bill

We know that the billing and collections process for healthcare services can be confusing, so we are providing this information to assist you in understanding our billing procedure and answer any questions you may have. Please understand that we contract with a number of insurance companies, HMOs, Medicare and Medicaid, so every situation is different. But by receiving services at any Wisconsin hospital, you are agreeing to take responsibility for payment in some manner.

Did You Know . . .

When it comes to healthcare, finding out medical costs can be complicated. At RAMC we want to make things as easy to understand as possible.

You have the right to request a copy of a document that lists pricing and quality information from Reedsburg Area Medical Center (RAMC) for the 75 most common inpatient stays and 75 most frequent outpatient surgical procedures in Wisconsin. Click HERE to go directly to this website. The estimate will be based on a sample situation, assuming no medical complications, and will include:

The median billed charges for these stays and procedures at RAMC

The average allowable payment under Medicare for these stays and procedures

The average allowable payment from insurers and health plans for these stays and procedures

In addition, you can see public information on the quality of healthcare services at RAMC as compared to other hospitals for these stays & procedures by visiting CheckPoint.

If you have any questions about the above information, contact a financial counselor at RAMC at 608-524-6487 or RAMC Physicians Group 608-524-6477.

You also have the right to request from your insurer or health plan, an estimate of your total out of pocket costs relating to these stays and procedures. You will need to contact your insurer or health plan to find out how to obtain this information.

What should you do prior to coming to the hospital?

Notify your insurance company (refer to the customer service phone number on your insurance card). If you do not have health insurance to cover your stay, please call 608-524-6487 to speak to a patient financial counselor.

Can I Get a Price Estimate for Services?

As a service to our patients, RAMC offers price estimate services. While we make every effort to estimate prices, the costs associated with care can vary substantially depending upon the individula's medical needs and circumstances, as well as charges that may be incurred in the course of treatment. While it is possible to estimate these, it is not possible to precisely define these until after the service has been provided. Therefore, our financial services representatives will provide you a price range. For estimates, please call (608)768-6209 (patient last name A-K), and (608)768-6208 (patient last name L-Z).

Why am I getting multiple bills?

Depending on the healthcare services you receive, you may receive several different bills from radiologists, pathologists or other physician specialists. We will attempt to collect all known patient expenses at the time of your visit, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance amounts.

Some RAMC patients may also receive two bills for healthcare services, depending on where the services were provided. Facility Bill ~ This bill is for the cost of services at RAMC, such as clinical staff, supplies and equipment. Professional Services Bill ~ This bill is for services provided by other health professionals, such as physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners.

How can I be sure my health plan will pay my hospital bill?

If you have some form of insurance, we will bill the insurance company on your behalf. If your health insurance does not make payment within a reasonable period of time (usually 60 days) and does not respond to our attempts to resolve payment matters, we will then forward the bill to you for payment. Be sure you know your health insurance policy and all pre-certification requirements in advance. If you receive a notifcation that your health insurance has denied your claim, please contact your insurance company or the RAMC insurance staff. While we provide all the required information and paperwork to your insurer, your insurance company may ask you for additional information so they can process your claim. You should respond promptly to any requests you receive from your health plan.

What if I have coverage through a commercial payer or HMO?

We will bill your primary and secondary health insurance if we are provided with this information at the time of registration. Again, you are responsible for paying any amount that insurance does not cover. Your health plan may send you an “Explanation of Benefits” notice which includes the amount paid, any non-covered or denied amounts, and the remaining balance that you owe. Please inform the registration staff if you belong to a Medicare or Medicaid HMO program.

What if I have coverage through Medicare or Medicaid?

We will bill Medicare, Medicaid or one of their replacement plans, along with any supplemental insurance(s), if you provide us with this information at the time of registration. You are responsible for paying any deductibles and co-payments at the time the service is provided, in addition to any service(s) for which you receive a notice of non-coverage. You must bring and present your own valid identification card each time you register.

What if I have coverage through Workers Compensation or Liability Insurance?

A claim will be filed when the employer confirms your illness or injury is work–related. Be sure you have filed an incident report with your employer. A claim cannot be processed until we have specific information from and about your employer. We will request payment (with/without private health insurance coverage) in the event workers compensation denies the claim. Our staff also will work with you if you provide information regarding a liability insurance claim.

I am unable to pay the full amount of my bill at this time.

Is it possible to make payment arrangements? Financial assistance is available to individuals who do not have the ability to pay their full obligation as determined by the qualification criteria in our "Community Care" program. The amount of the aid will take into account each individual’s ability to contribute to the cost of his or her care.

Our financial advisors also can work with you to arrange a payment plan if special circumstances prevent you from making a full, timely payment. Financial advisors are available Monday through Friday, 8 am - 5 pm and can be contacted at 608-768-6209 (patient last name A-K) or 608-768-6208 (patient last name L-Z).

What if I don’t have health insurance?

Payment is expected in full at the time of service or upon receipt of your bill, but you may be asked to bring payment with you at time of service based on an estimate of your bill. Medically necessary (non-elective) services will not be denied based on your ability to pay. If you do not have health insurance and worry that you may not be able to pay in full, we might be able to help. We offer financial aid programs to patients based on eligibility criteria, but not everyone qualifies. We may also be able to help you identify other available resources or work with you to arrange an acceptable payment plan. It is important that you let us know if you will have difficulty paying your bill since federal law requires us to apply our billing and collections criteria consistently to all patients. To avoid legal action with unpaid bills, be sure to contact one of our patient billing representatives if you are experiencing financial difficulty. Unpaid bills may be referred to an outside collection service as a last resort, which could affect your credit status.